Contestants Shine Bright on Stage During 12th Annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant

Acceptance, inclusion are at heart of pageant that empowers girls, teens with disabilities

Submitted by Amy Hoffman

(Photos courtesy of Arc Broward)

      SUNRISE, FL — Confidence, beauty and talent shined brighter than the sun when a special group of South Florida teens and young girls graced the stage for the 2025 Miss Arc Broward Pageant, presented by Princess Cruises, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale.

The annual pageant is a celebration of acceptance and dreams come true for remarkable young women with disabilities. While everyone was a winner for braving the spotlight before a cheering audience of more than 800 friends, family and community members, it was 13-year-old Gianna Gallagher of Coral Springs, crowned Miss Arc Broward, and seven-year-old Emily Garcia of Pembroke Pines, crowned Little Miss Arc Broward, who stole the judges’ hearts. Gallagher performed “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” from “Hamilton,” and Garcia danced to “I Love to Read the Bible.”

“Whether someone has attended the pageant before or this is their first time, it is impossible to leave untouched by the sense of inclusion and belonging that defines this event,” said Julie Price, Arc Broward CEO. “More than a competition, the Miss Arc Broward pageant is a testament to the resilience, determination and courage of young women who inspire us with their journeys of self-discovery.”

Led by event co-chairs Natalie Glusman and Candace Kelley, the Miss Arc Broward Pageant culminates a season of special programs and events that provide a supportive environment through which young girls and teens with disabilities build confidence, self-esteem and lifelong friendships.

“The Miss Arc Broward Pageant shows contestants and audience members that anything is possible,” said Glusman, who also served as emcee. “We are so grateful for the support and encouragement of our sponsors, judges, teen ambassadors, cheering squads and community members who recognize the power of acceptance. Together, they help turn dreams into possibilities.”

In addition to raising awareness, proceeds from the Miss Arc Broward Pageant benefit Arc Broward’s continuum of services that provide transformative opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and other life challenges.

Highlights from the pageant included a special appearance by last year’s Little Miss Arc Broward winner, Mikayla Golka. The Florida Panthers hockey fan sparkled on stage with her bedazzled hockey stick and had the audience cheering. Before being crowned the newest Miss Arc Broward, Gallagher responded to the on-stage interview question with a reminder that everyone has their own set of problems to overcome. “Whether it’s my mom’s laundry sitting on the couch or my dad forgetting things or me forgetting to do my homework…we have to keep in mind we all have our problems. We have to stand up and keep going,” she said.

In addition to Gallagher and Garcia, this year’s pageant contestants were: from Broward County, Hailey Acevedo, 16, Coral Springs; Halia Allen, 14, Hollywood; Samantha Bellot, 6, Pompano Beach; Zoe Burgess, 16, Coral Springs; Sophie Carriel, 6, Sunrise; Alyssa Custodio, 17, Coral Springs; Nola Schader, 16, Miramar; and Alessandra Soto, 17, Hollywood; and from Palm Beach County, Paritta Darncharnjitt, 17, West Palm Beach and Nevaeh Myers, 16, Jupiter.

Pageant contestants were matched with teen ambassadors who serve as mentors and advocates throughout the pageant season. More than 20 teen ambassadors represented a dozen high schools and middle schools across Broward County, including North Broward Preparatory School, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, NSU University School, Pompano Beach High School, Cooper City High School, Indian Ridge Middle School, Forest Glen Middle School, Westglades Middle School, Pembroke Pines Charter High School and more.

In addition to presenting sponsor Princess Cruises, the Miss Arc Broward Pageant is generously supported by Amazon, Arc Works Business Advisory Council, Banesco, Casbah Spa & Salon, Chateau Mar Golf Resort, Children’s Medical Services Health Plan, Cintas, Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry, ECR Graphics & Printing, Florida Girls Giving Back, Galleria Fort Lauderdale, Heather Holt Photo, Holland & Knight, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Macaroni Kid, Marsh McLennan Agency, Park Shore Pharmacon, Pompano Elks Club, Publix, Rebel Motor Company, Right Management/Aligned Solutions, Special Needs Group, Stiles, Sunshine Health, The Masucci Family, UKG, Universal Property, Wealth Family Protection Attorneys at Law and Wild, Felice & Partners.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit arcbroward.com/miss-arc-broward/. For information about the vital programs and services Arc Broward provides, visit arcbroward.com or call (954) 746-9400.

About Arc Broward

Since 1956, Arc Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community, changing how people with disabilities and other life challenges are embraced and included. This critical work ensures that people with disabilities, not only live, learn, work, and play in their communities, but more importantly, thrive. Arc Broward operates at nine locations and provides 21 programs throughout Broward County, Florida. Arc Broward’s two social enterprises — Arc Educates and Arc Culinary — are groundbreaking efforts to transform the community by providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential. To learn more about Arc Broward, please visit arcbroward.com or call 954-746-9400. Follow along on social media @arcbroward.